Old Beer Bottle Identification Guide: How to Date, Value and Identify Antique Beer Bottles
Learn how to identify old beer bottles by examining maker's marks, seams, glass color, and bottle shapes. Our comprehensive guide helps collectors determine age and value.
By Appraisily TeamLast updated November 8, 2023
Finding an old beer bottle can be an exciting discovery for collectors and history enthusiasts alike. Whether you’ve unearthed a potential treasure while digging in your backyard, discovered it in a relative’s basement, or purchased it at an estate sale, identifying and dating your vintage beer bottle can be both rewarding and potentially valuable.
Beer bottles tell a fascinating story of American brewing history, technological advancement, and changing consumer preferences. From hand-blown examples from the 19th century to mass-produced bottles of the mid-20th century, each bottle carries distinctive characteristics that help determine its age, origin, and value.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the key indicators that help identify old beer bottles, including production methods, physical characteristics, manufacturer marks, and other telltale signs that reveal when and where your bottle was made. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just curious about a family heirloom, this article will provide you with the knowledge to accurately date and value your vintage beer bottles.
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<span>Key Indicators for Dating Old Beer Bottles</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">Understanding how to date an old beer bottle requires examining several physical characteristics. Each feature provides clues about when the bottle was manufactured.</div>
Mold Seams and Production Methods
One of the most reliable indicators of a bottle’s age is the presence and appearance of mold seams. These are the lines that run up the sides of the bottle, created during the manufacturing process.
Hand-blown bottles (pre-1860s) have no mold seams as they were created using a free-blowing technique.
Semi-automatic bottles (1860s-1910s) typically have mold seams that stop at or below the bottle neck, as the neck and lip were hand-finished.
Machine-made bottles (post-1910) feature mold seams that run continuously from the base through the lip of the bottle.
As the Society for Historical Archaeology notes on their bottle dating page, the height and appearance of mold seams can narrow down a bottle’s age:
Dating Beer Bottles by Manufacturing Method
Machine-produced bottles from the early 20th century (1905-1920s) displayed higher, thicker mold seams compared to later machine-made bottles. As technology progressed, the seams became thinner and less pronounced.
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<span>Bottle Base Markings and Maker's Marks</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">The bottom of a beer bottle often contains valuable information about its manufacturer and production date, making it one of the first places to look when identifying an old bottle.</div>
Maker’s marks are symbols, initials, or numbers embossed on the bottle that identify the glass manufacturer. These marks can be crucial for dating since many glass companies operated during specific time periods.
According to the SHA Maker’s Marks page, some common beer bottle manufacturers and their marks include:
Common Beer Bottle Maker's Marks
Glass manufacturers who produced beer bottles in the 19th and 20th centuries
Category
Price
Notes
AB or AB Connected
Adolphus Busch Glass Manufacturing Co.
1886-1928
ABGM Co
Adolphus Busch Glass Manufacturing Co.
1886-1928
I.G.Co.
Illinois Glass Company
1873-1929
O-I mark
Owens-Illinois Glass Company
1929-present
B in a circle
Brockway Glass Company
1925-1988
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Many bottles made after 1940 include two-digit date codes near the maker’s mark. For example, an Owens-Illinois mark followed by “43” would indicate manufacture in 1943. Some manufacturers used different dating systems, so reference resources like the Historic Bottle Website can help interpret these codes.
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<span>Bottle Shapes and Styles</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">The shape and style of a beer bottle can often indicate its age and region of origin, as different breweries and time periods favored particular designs.</div>
According to the SHA Beer & Ale Bottles page, beer bottle shapes evolved significantly over time, with certain styles predominating in different eras:
Evolution of Beer Bottle Shapes
1860-1880
Squat Blob-Top Bottles
These shorter bottles had a distinctive "blob" top closure and were sealed with corks and wire. They were thick-walled and often in amber or aqua colors.
1880-1910
Baltimore Loop-Seal Bottles
Featured a distinctive looped wire closure system and were typically used for lager beers. These bottles had a bulbous neck and were designed for reuse.
1892-1910s
Crown-Top Bottles
After the invention of the crown cap in 1892, beer bottles gradually shifted to this closure type. Early versions had a hand-applied crown finish.
1910-1950s
Export-Style Bottles
Machine-made bottles with crown caps became standardized. The "export" style with its distinctive longer neck became the dominant form for American beers.
1950s-Present
Modern Standardization
Beer bottles became more uniform, though specialty and regional variations continued. The longneck style became increasingly common.
Regional variations also existed. For example, the “champagne beer” style was popular in the western United States from the 1870s-1910s, featuring a shape similar to champagne bottles but in amber glass. Export-style bottles dominated in the eastern states during the same period.
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<span>Glass Color and Composition</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">The color of glass used in beer bottles changed over time due to technological advancements, material availability, and practical concerns about preserving beer quality.</div>
Common glass colors used for beer bottles throughout history
Category
Price
Notes
Amber/Brown
1860-Present
Most common beer bottle color, protects contents from light
Aqua
1860-1920
Common in earlier bottles due to natural iron impurities in glass
Black Glass
Pre-1880s
Very dark olive or amber, appears black, earliest beer bottles
Cobalt Blue
1890s-1930s
Specialty bottles, relatively uncommon for beer
Clear
1880s-Present
Less common for beer but used for specialty products
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Amber became the standard color for beer bottles by the early 20th century when brewers discovered that light exposure caused beer to develop off-flavors (now known to be caused by a reaction creating “skunky” compounds). The consistent use of amber glass makes color less useful for dating bottles after about 1920, though specialty beers sometimes used different colors.
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<span>Embossing and Labeling</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">Embossed text and paper labels on beer bottles provide valuable information about the brewery, brand, and sometimes the date of production.</div>
Embossing Evolution
Embossing refers to raised lettering or designs molded directly into the glass. According to Antique Trader, the presence and style of embossing can help with dating:
1860s-1920s: Heavy embossing was common, often featuring the brewery name, location, and trade names around the body of the bottle
1890s-1910s: “This bottle not to be sold” or similar phrases indicated bottles intended for reuse by the brewery
1920-1933: During Prohibition, beer bottle production dropped dramatically, and many breweries closed or converted to other products
Post-1933: After Prohibition, embossing became less common as paper labels dominated
Paper Labels
Paper labels became increasingly common in the early 20th century, eventually replacing embossing as the primary means of brand identification. While paper labels can deteriorate over time, they often contain specific information like:
Brewery name and location
Beer type or brand name
Alcohol content (especially post-Prohibition)
Government tax information
Internal dating codes
According to experts at True Legacy Homes, paper labels with tax stamps or specific regulatory information can help narrow down production dates, especially for post-Prohibition bottles.
Beer Bottle Identification Checklist
Use this checklist to help identify and date your old beer bottle
Examine bottle for mold seams and their height on the bottle
Check the base for maker's marks or production codes
Note the overall shape and closure type (blob top, crown cap, etc.)
Document the glass color and any distinctive tint
Look for embossed text on the body, shoulder, or base
Carefully examine any remaining paper labels
Measure the bottle's dimensions (height, base diameter)
Photograph the bottle from multiple angles for research
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<span>Determining Value of Old Beer Bottles</span>
</h2>
<div class="section-header__body">Once you’ve identified and dated your old beer bottle, you might wonder about its value. Several factors influence the collectible value of vintage beer bottles.</div>
Value Factors for Antique Beer Bottles
Key elements that determine a beer bottle's collector value
Category
Price
Notes
Age
Pre-1900 bottles generally command higher prices
$15-$1,000+
Rarity
Bottles from short-lived breweries or limited production runs
$25-$2,500+
Condition
Mint condition with original labels and minimal wear
2-5x premium over similar bottles in poor condition
Color
Unusual colors like cobalt blue or purple-tinted amber
$50-$1,000+ depending on other factors
Historical Significance
Connections to famous breweries or historical events
$100-$3,000+
Regional Interest
Local brewery bottles with strong collector communities
$20-$500+
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Some particularly valuable categories of beer bottles include:
Pre-Prohibition bottles from now-defunct breweries
Figural bottles shaped like barrels, people, or objects
Bottles with graphical embossing featuring detailed images
Intact bottles with original labels and closures
Bottles from famous brewing centers like Milwaukee, St. Louis, or Cincinnati
As with any collectible, the market for vintage beer bottles fluctuates based on collector interest and trends. Specialized bottle shows, collector forums, and auction records can provide the most current valuation information.
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<span>Common Types of Collectable Beer Bottles</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">Different eras produced distinctive bottle types that are now sought after by collectors. Understanding these categories can help narrow down identification.</div>
These bottles represent America’s early industrial brewing era and often feature elaborate embossing. They come in various closure types including:
Blob tops
Baltimore loop seals
Lightning stoppers
Early crown caps
Bottles from this era were frequently reused by breweries and often bear embossing like “This bottle not to be sold” or “Property of” followed by the brewery name.
Prohibition-Era Bottles (1920-1933)
During Prohibition, many breweries either closed or pivoted to producing “near beer” (low-alcohol beer), soft drinks, or malt extract ostensibly for baking but often used for home brewing. Bottles from this era may be labeled as:
“Cereal beverage” or “Temperance beer”
Malt tonic or malt extract
Root beer or other soft drinks from brewing companies
These bottles document a pivotal time in American brewing history and the creative ways breweries attempted to survive Prohibition.
Post-Prohibition Revival (1933-1950s)
When Prohibition ended, surviving breweries quickly returned to beer production. Bottles from this era often feature:
Heavy use of paper labels rather than embossing
Standard crown cap closures
More consistent shapes and sizes as production standardized
Tax stamps or state-specific labeling
Many regional breweries that reopened after Prohibition were eventually acquired by larger companies, making their bottles increasingly collectible.
Craft and International Bottles
While most collectors focus on older examples, there’s growing interest in:
Early craft brewery bottles from the 1970s-1990s
Distinctive foreign beer bottles, especially Belgian, German and British examples
<span>Tips for Beginning Beer Bottle Collectors</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">If you’re interested in starting a collection of vintage beer bottles, here are some practical suggestions to help you get started.</div>
Where to Find Old Beer Bottles
Bottle digging sites: Old dump sites, privies, and foundations can yield bottles from the 19th and early 20th centuries
Antique shops and malls: Often have selections of bottles, though prices may be higher than other sources
Bottle collector shows: Specialized events where collectors buy, sell, and trade bottles
Online marketplaces: eBay, Etsy, and specialized collector forums frequently list vintage beer bottles
Estate sales: Particularly in areas with brewing history, these can be goldmines for bottle collectors
Fellow collectors: Networking with other collectors can lead to trades and purchase opportunities
Building a Focused Collection
Rather than collecting random bottles, consider specializing in one of these approaches:
Regional focus: Bottles from breweries in your local area or state
Era-specific: Focusing on pre-Prohibition, Prohibition, or post-Prohibition examples
Single brewery: Documenting the evolution of one brewing company through its bottles
Color or style: Concentrating on a particular glass color or bottle shape
Preservation and Display
Proper care will maintain both the condition and value of your bottles:
Clean bottles gently using mild soap and water, avoiding harsh chemicals
Store bottles away from direct sunlight to prevent color changes in the glass
Display bottles on stable shelving with adequate space between them
Consider acrylic stands or custom mounts for particularly valuable examples
Maintain any original paper labels by handling bottles carefully and keeping them in a stable environment
Document your collection with photographs and detailed notes about each bottle’s origin and significance
Frequently Asked Questions About Old Beer Bottle Identification
How do you tell how old a beer bottle is?
The age of a beer bottle can be determined by examining several key features:
Mold seams: Hand-blown bottles (pre-1860s) have no seams; semi-automatic bottles (1860s-1910s) have seams that stop at the neck; machine-made bottles (post-1910) have seams running through the lip.
Base markings: Manufacturer marks and date codes on the bottle base often indicate when it was made. Two-digit numbers often represent the year of manufacture.
Production method: The thickness of glass, presence of bubbles, and consistency of the finish can indicate production technology.
Closure type: Blob tops, cork-and-wire closures, and early crown caps all correspond to specific time periods.
Embossing style: The presence, placement, and content of embossed text changed over time.
How do I know if my old bottles are valuable?
Several factors determine the value of vintage beer bottles:
Age: Generally, pre-1900 bottles are worth more than newer examples
Rarity: Bottles from short-lived breweries or limited production runs command premium prices
Condition: Mint condition bottles with original labels can be worth 2-5 times more than similar bottles with damage
Historical significance: Connections to famous breweries or historical events increase value
Completeness: Original closures, labels, and packaging significantly enhance value
To determine a specific bottle’s value, consult specialty price guides, check recent auction results for similar bottles, or have it appraised by a knowledgeable dealer or auction house that specializes in breweriana.
How can you tell what year a bottle was made?
To determine the specific year a beer bottle was made:
Check for date codes: Many bottles made after 1940 include two-digit date codes near the maker’s mark on the bottom. For example, an Owens-Illinois mark followed by "43" would indicate manufacture in 1943.
Research the manufacturer’s mark: Glass companies often operated during specific time periods, so identifying the maker can establish a date range.
Look for technological indicators: Features like suction scars on the base (1893-1920s) or specific types of mold seams can narrow down the date range.
Check paper labels: Tax stamps, government warnings, or promotional information on labels often contain date-specific information.
Research the brewery: If the bottle is from a specific brewery, company records or brewery histories may provide information about when certain bottles were used.
While many bottles can only be dated to within a decade or so, these methods can often narrow down the production year, especially for bottles made after 1930.
What does the number on the bottom of a beer bottle mean?
Numbers on the bottom of beer bottles typically indicate one or more of the following:
Date codes: Often a two-digit number representing the year of manufacture. Post-1940 bottles frequently include these.
Mold numbers: These identify which specific mold was used to create the bottle in the factory and don’t indicate date or value.
Plant codes: Numbers that identify which factory produced the bottle. For example, Owens-Illinois bottles include a plant code number to the left of their logo.
Capacity markers: Some numbers indicate the bottle’s volume capacity, especially on more recent bottles.
Model numbers: Some manufacturers used catalog numbers to identify the bottle style or design.
The meaning of these numbers varies by manufacturer and time period. Resources like the Society for Historical Archaeology’s bottle identification website can help decode these markings for specific manufacturers.
Is there an app for identifying old beer bottles?
While there isn't a widely-used app specifically dedicated to beer bottle identification, several resources can help:
General antique identification apps like Google Lens can sometimes recognize bottle shapes and provide general information.
Online bottle databases like the Society for Historical Archaeology’s Historic Bottle Website (sha.org/bottle) provide comprehensive information accessible via mobile browsers.
Collector forums and social media groups often have experts who can help identify bottles from photographs.
Auction site apps like eBay can be searched for similar bottles to establish identification and potential value.
For the most accurate identification, combining these digital resources with reference books and expert consultation typically yields the best results. The specialized nature of beer bottle collecting means that human expertise is still more reliable than automated recognition systems.
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<span>Conclusion: The Lasting Appeal of Vintage Beer Bottles</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">Old beer bottles continue to captivate collectors and history enthusiasts alike, offering tangible connections to America’s brewing heritage.</div>
Vintage beer bottles are more than just collectibles—they’re historical artifacts that document the evolution of American manufacturing, consumer habits, and brewing traditions. From hand-blown pre-Prohibition rarities to mass-produced bottles of the mid-20th century, each bottle tells a story of its era.
For collectors, the hunt for rare and significant bottles continues to be rewarding, with new discoveries regularly emerging from old building sites, forgotten cellars, and estate collections. Meanwhile, the knowledge required to accurately identify and date these bottles connects enthusiasts to a community of like-minded preservationists.
Whether you’re a serious collector or simply curious about an old bottle you’ve discovered, the process of identification opens a window into American industrial history and the cultural significance of brewing. By examining the physical characteristics—from mold seams and maker’s marks to embossing and closures—you can place your bottle within its historical context and appreciate its journey through time.
As brewing history continues to evolve with the craft beer revolution of recent decades, today’s distinctive bottles may become tomorrow’s collectibles, continuing the tradition of preserving brewing heritage through its most common artifact—the humble beer bottle.
